Philip Nicholas

Barbers across the UK are calling for greater regulation of barbers and hairdressers, at a time when Parliament is considering cutting back on Health and Safety ‘red tape’. In an interview on BBC Radio 4’s ‘You and Yours’, Mike Taylor of the British Barbers Association presented the case for greater regulation in the hair profession, citing both economic and safety arguments.The programme spoke to a London barber, who had been in business for 37 years[1]. The barber complained that, across London, new barber shops and hair salons were springing up on a daily basis, often employing staff who had no qualifications and very little training. These new salons have been offering haircuts at cheaper rates than established barbers, leading to financial difficulties for many older salons who struggle to compete. Mike Taylor said that this is a problem across the UK and argued that this was unfair on qualified and well-trained barbers, whose prices reflect the quality of service offered.The problem goes beyond that of economic competition, however. There is also the problem of safety to consider. Mike Taylor pointed out that cases of hairdresser’s negligence are rampant across the UK, with established barber shops and hairdressers often having to correct the mistakes made by their less qualified counterparts. Many of these injuries are caused by unqualified individuals in barbershops and hair salons, something which the British Barbers Association wants to rectify.Although the British Barber’s Association offers its own accreditation scheme, as does the UK Hairdressing Council, these are both currently voluntary schemes, with no mandatory regulation existing for barbers or hairdressers. The BBA argues that the accreditation scheme ‘sorts the wheat from the chaff’ and helps to stamp out any negligent practice[2]. It is also pointed out that licensing is compulsory across the rest of Europe and in the USA. There are, however, currently no current plans to introduce legislation or licensing for barbers.The BBA is working closely with David Morris, the Conservative MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale, who used to work as a hairdresser before entering politics. Morris argues that it is ‘dangerous and wrong’ that ‘anybody can just open a hairdresser’s shop and go about cutting and dying people’s hair, using corrosive chemicals without any training or licensing’[3]. Morris tabled a motion in Parliament in 2011 for compulsory registration and licensing to be introduced, a motion that was unfortunately defeated in Parliament[4].The renewed focus on hair licensing issues comes at an interesting time, when the government is considering cutting back on health and safety legislation in the workplace[5]. Arguing that ‘red tape’ has gotten out of control, the government hopes to significantly reduce the amount of bureaucracy associated with health and safety practices. This would mean that many small businesses, including barbers and hairdressers, would not face as many stringent inspections as in the past. Mike Taylor argued that their campaign was ‘not about red tape, but about big health and safety issues’. In an environment that uses blades and chemicals on a daily basis, greater regulation should be in place to reduce the chances of a serious accident occurring. Licensing barbers and hairdressers would be one step towards solving the problem of hairdresser’s negligence.The above report and references can be found at Macks Solicitors website. The report above is not a unique situation in the south of England; it also applies to Leeds as well as the rest of the country. So many qualified barbers are losing business to 'cheap and cheerful' back street barbers. Why? Because unlike with ladies' hairdressers, customers are putting price before qualifications, environment and insurance. Ask any lady whether she would rather pay the going rate to have her hair done by fully qualified, fully insured staff in a nice environment or pay peanuts to someone who just grabbed a pair of scissors one day and instantly called themselves a hairdresser. Who do you think she would rather go to?Gents, have a bit of respect for our craft and also for yourself. You wouldn't go and buy a £3 shirt form the market to attend a special occasion would you? Yet some people look for the cheapest haircut they can get and then have wear that haircut day in day out.If you value yourself, look for the qualified barber. The one with his/her qualifications and insurance fully on display. That way you know you are getting the services of someone who is not only experienced in cutting your hair or holding a razor to your throat. They have also been certified as being competent to do so. They have also had to demonstrate that they understand and implement good health and hygiene practices. Given that most barbers have never had to prove their competence, don't you think you owe it to yourself to find a barber that has, even if it does cost you the equivalent of an extra beer or two?

Nobody is as interested in your business as you are. You may be all excited about your next big promotion but to everyone else, you are just another business vying for everyone’s attention.

Closely tied into number 1, everyone is interested in your business if there is something of value in it for them. Usually something free or money. This especially includes other businesses such as telecoms/utilities brokers, advertisers, web designers etc, etc. Guard your money with your life because they won’t bat an eyelid about taking it from you!

People want the nicest things they can afford, so give it to them. It doesn’t break the bank to throw in a free coffee or other nice freebie to make you better value than the next guy. Giving away a coffee for 10p can be worth more than reducing your prices by £1.

It is easy to give in when the chips are down. It is even easier for other people to say don’t give in. The hardest part is carrying on through adversity. If it pays off it can also be the most rewarding part. Ultimately, it’s you that has to know in your heart what the right decision is.

The only good ideas are those that are proven to be good. The ones that have paid off. Don’t be afraid to try something new. Don’t beat yourself up if it doesn’t work. If you have only used your money, it will only be you who cares if nobody else buys into it. Pick yourself up, dust yourself down and try something else or a different approach.

Going into business alone is lonely (by definition). Ask yourself if you can deal with loneliness. Even if you have someone to bounce off, consider how much bad news you are prepared to share with them before they start getting upset with you or stressed. Can you cope with keeping bad news to yourself to avoid this?

Appreciate your regular clients. The fact that they are regular is proof that they like what you do. Many people will say they like what you do and will “definitely be back” and you don’t see them again. Don’t believe anything is going to happen until it has happened.

Don’t criticise anybody to your clients. You don’t know who will be next to find out what you have said. Walls have ears, loose lips sink ships (and credibility) etc….

You WILL make mistakes. Mistakes are OK, so long as you learn from them and don’t repeat them.

If you say you are going to do something, do it. If you can’t subsequently do it, offer a sincere explanation to anyone who is affected. The value of credibility is often underestimated. People often won’t tell you when they feel let down, they just won’t deal with you again. Credibility breeds respect.

There is nothing like proving doubters wrong. Go out there, prove them wrong and go one further and impress your believers. I’ll say it again, credibility breeds respect.

Enjoy what you do. If it’s not enjoyable, you don’t have to stop…change it until it is enjoyable.

Phil Nicholas Townend

Phil left the Army after 20 years in Dec 2013 and chose to move into the world of barbering, having been disappointed at the levels of service in barbershops throughout his life. He is now taking city centre barbering out of town.